In the Burj el-Barajneh Palestinian refugee camp to the south of Beirut, an MSF team provides home-based care to almost 170 elderly and bed-ridden patients living with chronic diseases. The service brings not only medical benefits for the patients, but often also allows a brief moment of human warmth in otherwise very lonely lives.

In the Burj el-Barajneh Palestinian refugee camp to the south of Beirut, an MSF team provides home-based care to almost 170 elderly and bed-ridden patients living with chronic diseases. The service brings not only medical benefits for the patients, but often also allows a brief moment of human warmth in otherwise very lonely lives.

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

MSF nurse Mahmoud visiting Leila’s house. “In the first weeks, the nursing team visited her almost every day, and the doctor accompanied us as needed, until we stabilised Leila's condition.”

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

Leila Salim Matariyah, 56, suffers from diabetes and hypertension. She can’t see well and has problems taking her insulin.

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

The medical team had to visit Leila on an almost daily basis the first week, until her condition became stable. Now she takes her medicine regularly and follows her diet.

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

The home care programme is based on periodic visits carried out by the medical team to the homes of elderly patients to follow-up and treat chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

Amina Hamadi, 78, has diabetes and was suffering from loneliness and depression. Her physical illness and immobility had greatly affected her – especially as she believed people were tired of helping her. Today, Amina is smiling. In collaboration with the mental health support team, her depression has reduced.

Home-based care in Burj el-Barajneh refugee camp, Beirut.

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

“When we visit a patient and she welcomes us with a smile on her face, and a twinkle in her eyes, this is success for me. It is very important that the patient feels happiness, security and trust with us.” Rached, 32, is a MSF nurse. He has been helping Amina.

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

For people who have lost their loved ones, live alone in displacement camps, and have experienced unemployment, disease, destitution, and loneliness, the medical staff have become like family.

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

MSF nurse Amal is helping Amira Al-Hassiri, 80. She has been bedridden for seven years and suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure. “They always visit me and measure my diabetes level and blood pressure. God bless them,” says Amira.

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

Amina Banat, 84, lives with her two granddaughters. She has been suffering from high blood pressure for six years and broke her leg six months ago. The MSF nursing team visits her regularly to measure her blood pressure and sugar levels, and to make sure she doesn’t have any complications or permanent disability. MSF also trains Amina’s granddaughters on some exercises to help her.

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

“When they visit me I feel better. They visit me two or three times a week. I tell them that I’m out of my medication and they get it for me,” says Amina Banat.

Photo: Bruno De Cock/MSF

After their morning round, the team returns to the health centre where MSF is providing reproductive and mental health services for individuals and groups. The organisation’s community-based activities also include health awareness sessions and group psychosocial support for the elderly, as well as for other groups in the community.